BWC cover handling system

ABSTRACT

The Cover Handler System is mechanical mechanism that completes the task of removing large covers from industrial sized boilers, heat exchanges and condensers even in conditions cramped by walls, pipes and other boilers. The mechanism typically attaches to the top of the boiler from which will extend a swing assembly, from which horizontally extends an I-beam, along which slides a roller assembly, from which descends vertically a hanger which provides means for a bronze bushing supported cover assembly. The cover is removed and rotated out of the way by the cover handler&#39;s three means of articulation by the rotating swing assembly, the sliding roller assembly and rotating cover mounts. The cover removal system ceases to be arduous and time consuming. The complex operation of removing and replacing the cover is accomplished safely in a short amount of time even in the most cramped conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of an earlier filed provisional patent application under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). Provisional application No. 62/391,325 as listed in the included application data sheet.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

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DESCRIPTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to large industrial heat exchangers and condensers. Large condensers and heat exchangers typically feature one or more end cap, or cover. These covers need to be removed regularly for cleaning or inspection. Due to the size and weight of the covers and space limitations this is an arduous task. The BWC cover handling system is a permanent fixture which allows for these removal to happen faster, and more efficiently.

Background of the Invention

Large Industrial heat exchangers and condensers are used in many large scale settings including air conditioning and electricity production and other commercial uses. These heat exchangers and condensers have large heavy covers that need to be removed for cleaning and inspection. While they may be as small as 12″ they can be as large as 96″ in diameter weighing over one ton.

These boiler and condensers often exist in cramped spaces. Due to the weight, size and location of the covers the removal of them is usually very awkward. The removals are improvised with repurposed equipment and excessive man power. As such the removal are time consuming, expensive, and create the potential for unsafe work conditions. Previous systems using hinges are unable to handle the weight or deal with the cramped conditions.

The BWC Cover Handling System provides a semi-permanently mounted solution to the problem. The mechanism uses a rotating arm, a swing assembly and hanger to properly remove the cover and hold it in place safely and out of the way. The removal can be done in spaces much smaller than the diameter of the lid as is necessary. Use of the BWC Cover Handling System can save as much as two full days of manpower and machine use and create a safer and more manageable work environment than ever possible before.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention provide for a mechanism and method by which to remove large industrial heat exchangers and condenser covers quickly and easily.

In order to handle a massive cover, a swing assembly is mounted to the top of the condenser. The type and thickness of steel used in condensers and heat exchangers makes this quite easy. A fabricated I-beam extends horizontally from the swing assembly. A roller assembly, or I-beam trolley, utilizing wheel and thrust bearings is capable of moving horizontally along the I-beam. From the roller assembly descending on the vertical axis is a hanger. The hanger attaches to mounting brackets which are attached to the cover of the condenser. A brass busing allows for rotation around the vertical axis of the condenser cover one it is pulled away from the condenser.

A series of prongs holds the condenser in place. The BWCCHS uses the roller assembly to back the cover off the necessary distance of a few inches to free it from the prongs that maintain it in place on the condenser. The swing assembly then pivots to bring the cover to a position alongside the condenser. The bronze bushing allows the cover to pivot on the vertical hanger. The ability to rotate the swing assembly, to extend and retract the roller assembly and pivot the cover around the vertical assembly by use of the bronze bushing allows the cover to be quickly, safely and easily maneuvered in cramped spaces. Saving time, man power, and reducing risk of energy.

The cover can be pulled in closely to the side of the condenser safely held out of the way. Once the necessary inspections or cleaning of the inside of the condenser is complete the cover needs to be re-installed. Re-installing the cover is a simple reversal of the removal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

1. Condenser, Boiler or Heat Exchanger

2. Cover

3. Swing Assembly

4. I-Beam

5. Roller Assembly

6. Hanger

7. Mounting Brackets to Cover

8. Bronze Bushing

9. Wheel and Thrust Bearing

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The BWC Cover Handling System is a mechanism. It is a mechanism used to quickly, safely and efficiently remove large and heavy condenser and heat exchange covers even in cramped spaces. In the alternative the BWC Cover Handling System is a method by which Condenser and heat exchangers covers can be removed.

The objective of the current invention is to make it possible, convenient and safe for condenser and heat exchanger covers to be removed and installed in tight spaces. By utilizing 3 separate methods of movement and a semi-permanent mounted system a large industrial covers can be removed more quickly than ever previously possible.

By utilizing a semi-permanent mount the mechanism is always ready for use. Also the use of such a mount ensures the large and heavy covers are always held in check and never in danger of falling while the covers are being maneuvered, and moved to the side in a cramped and busy work environment.

A rotating swing assembly is mounted to the top of the boiler near the cover that needs to be removed. Extending from the swing assembly is an I-beam. Attached to the I-beam is a roller assembly capable of moving horizontally along the I-beam. The roller assembly has suspending from it a hanging arm. The hanging arm attaches two cover holders which mount to the cover. The hanging arm attaches to the cover holders utilizing two bronze bushings which allow the cover holder and the cover to rotate around the vertically suspended hanger arm.

By providing 2 separate means of rotation and one rolling assembly the BWC Cover Handling System provides great ability and flexibility in moving a large industrial cover within a confined space. The cover is removed by means of the roller assembly backing the cover off of the supporting studs which extend from the condenser. The roller assembly then extends as necessary as the swing arm pivots to pull the lid alongside the condenser. The bronze bushings allow the cover to pivot allowing precise placement of the cover during the rotation of the swing arm. This allows the lid to “tuck” closer to the condenser and avoid the walls and pipes that create the confined spaces in which industrial covers are found.

The BWC Cover Handling System fills a long outstanding need. There is no other safe and efficient method to remove industrial covers in the enclosed spaces that house them. Current methods usually rely on jacks, fork lifts and improvised solutions that soak up days of man power, delay the necessary cleaning and inspections of the internal components. Worse these improvised removal create an unsafe working environment in the removal, storage and reinstall of the industrial covers.

The BWC Cover Handling System can be used on various industrial application such as condensers, heat exchangers, boilers and other enclosed industrial machinery or tubing with a cover that needs removal.

In an additional enablement the BWCCHS is mounted to the side of the boiler or heat exchanger. In a third enablement the BWCCHS is floor mounted. In a fourth enablement the BWCCHS is mounted to piece of moving machinery such as a fork lift, skid loader or tractor. In a fifth enablement the BWCCHS is transported on its own base. In a sixth enablement the BWCCHS is transported by a custom piece of machinery designed specifically for the BWCCHS.

SUMMARY

Insurance companies that inspect condensers and heat exchangers are frustrated with the delays caused by complication in industrial cover removals. The ground crews are ill-equipped to remove large heave industrial covers in confined spaces and are frustrated by the elaborate and ineffective means by which industrial covers must currently be removed. Industrial covers must be removed on a semi-regular basis for cleaning and inspection. The entire affair is approached with trepidation and soaks up value man hours, resources and time.

The effect of the BWC Cover Handling System is to reduce what took two days down to a time of 20 minutes. By using three separate means of articulation the BWC Cover Handling System can quickly and safely remove safely stow an Industrial over in a way that was never before possible. The suspension of the cover eliminates any possibility of the cover falling or rolling unexpectedly. And guarantees prefect alignment when the cover needs to be reinstalled. There is no existing machine or system capable of doing what the BWC Cover Handler System does safely and easily.

SEQUENCE LISTING

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What is clamed is:
 1. An industrial cover removal system comprising: a vertical top mounted pivoting swing assemble mounted on top of an industrial application requiring cover removal; And a horizontal I-beam roller assembly extending from said swing assembly, and a roller assemble capable of rolling horizontally along said I-Beam Roller, a vertical hanger assembly hanging from said roller assembly, Mounting brackets, which mount to an industrial cover, said mounting brackets being supported by a bronze busing from said vertical hanger.
 2. The Industrial cover removal system of claim 1, wherein said Industrial cover removal system is attached to the top of a condenser for use in removing the cover of that same condenser.
 3. The Industrial cover removal system of claim 1, wherein said Industrial cover removal system is attached to the top of a boiler for use in removing the cover of that same boiler.
 4. The industrial cover removal system of claim 1, wherein said Industrial cover removal system is attached to the top of a heat exchanger for use in removing the cover of that same heat exchanger.
 5. The industrial cover removal system of claim 1 for use of the removal of a cap, cover, or lid of any large industrial instillation requiring regular removal.
 6. The industrial cover removal system of claim 1 mounted to the floor, or any adjacent solid surface for the purposes of removing a lid, cap or cover from a boiler, heat exchanger or condenser.
 7. The industrial cover system of claim 1 wherein it is transported by use of specialty equipment.
 8. The industrial cover removal system of claim 1 wherein any component is replaced by a common component of similar purpose.
 9. The industrial cover removal system of claim 1 wherein the system is not mounted vertically on top of the condenser, but mounted anywhere on the condenser from vertical to horizontal. 